Release No. 0213.04

Office of Communication 202-720-4623

Veneman Proclaims May 30-June 5 as Summer Food Service Program Week 

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2004— Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today issued a proclamation that designates May 30-June 5 as Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Week. 

“Ensuring that all eligible individuals, families and especially our children have access to the nutrition assistance they need is a high priority for the Bush Administration,” Veneman said. “The Summer Food Service Program is an important part of our efforts that provides nutritious meals to low-income children during the months that school is out.” 

USDA officials will highlight the importance of the Summer Food Service Program during events across the country June, 3rd, National Hunger Awareness Day. The program is administered by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service in partnership with state agencies and local sponsors. The Program ensures that children in low-income areas can continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals. During the school year, over 28 million students participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfasts Programs, which provide free or reduced-priced meals to low-income children. The SFSP provides a vital link during the summer months to guarantee that children continue to have access to a nutritious meal. 

National Hunger Awareness Day is a public information initiative started in 2002 by America’s Second Harvest to highlight the continued existence of hunger in America. USDA has joined with America’s Second Harvest and other faith and community-based organizations to show what Americans can do to combat hunger in their communities. National Hunger Awareness Day events focus attention on domestic hunger and especially its impact on children. Hunger Awareness Day events include food drives, volunteer days, fund-raisers, educational programs, advertising and corporate donations such as food products and other services. 

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers 15 nutrition assistance programs including the Summer Food Service Program, the Food Stamp Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the National School Lunch Program. Together these programs make up the federal nutrition safety net. FNS administers these programs in partnership with state and local agencies and works with faith and community-based organizations to ensure that nutrition assistance is available to those in need.

Additional information about the Summer Food Service Program can be found at www.fns.usda.gov. 

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